UWWH Partners with Wooster Community Hospital

Wooster, Ohio (February 4, 2021) Beginning in March, children born at Wooster Community Hospital will be automatically enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – a program made possible here locally because of United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties (UWWH).

Children enrolled at birth will receive one free book a month until they turn five. This means they will go to Kindergarten with a personal library of at least 60 books. Babies born at Wooster Community Hospital who also live in Holmes or Wayne Counties will be sent home with their very first book The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper. The books that they will receive are age appropriate, timeless and trendy – all handpicked and approved by Dolly Parton herself.

“Literacy is one vital key to future success,” said Katie Koglman, Executive Director, United Way of Wayne and Holmes, “By partnering with Wooster Community Hospital we are ensuring a child is enrolled and enjoying the beauty of reading as soon as possible!”

Wooster Community Hospital was thrilled to partner with United Way of Wayne and Holmes. Tara Raudebaugh, Director of Perinatal Services had this to say about the partnership, “Women’s Pavilion is honored to partner with The United Way of Wayne and Holmes County by enrolling newborns into the Dolly Parton Imagination Library! Reading to children is a blessing.” Her colleague Nicole Sword, Lactation Program Coordinator also expressed her excitement “Saying we are really excited to have the opportunity to bring this program to the families that deliver with us. The Women's Pavilion is prepared to enroll new babies because its NEVER too soon to start reading to your child.”

Presently, nearly 3,500 children in Holmes and Wayne Counties are enrolled in the program. Enrollment can be done on-line at imaginationlibrary.com or by calling United Way of Wayne and Holmes at (330) 263-6363.

Babies who are born at WCH who live in a surrounding county will also be enrolled in the program, but not receive their first book – that will be received in the mail after registration is completed.

This program is funded by United Way of Wayne and Holmes, Orrville Area United Way, The Dollywood Foundation and with a temporary 50% cost share from the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library. If you would like to sponsor a child in this program text: FREEBOOKS to: 44-321